Authorities in Russia have introduced new health guidelines that recommend referring women who do not want children to psychologists, as part of efforts to tackle the country’s deepening demographic crisis.
The policy, approved by the health ministry, directs doctors conducting reproductive health checks to ask women how many children they intend to have.
Those who indicate no desire for children may be advised to undergo counselling aimed at encouraging a more positive outlook on parenthood.
The move comes amid growing concern from the Kremlin over the country’s declining population.
President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly described the falling birth rate as a serious national issue, warning that Russia risks long-term population decline if urgent measures are not taken.
Russia’s fertility rate has dropped to around 1.4 children per woman — significantly below the 2.1 replacement level required to maintain population stability.
The situation has been further strained by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has seen hundreds of thousands of young men deployed over the past few years.
In response, the government has intensified pro-natalist policies, including tightening abortion regulations and introducing laws targeting what it describes as “child-free propaganda.”
At the same time, authorities continue to promote large families, offering financial incentives and social benefits to encourage higher birth rates, as part of a broader strategy to reverse the demographic decline.
